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It is not clear at the moment how events will unfold in central Yerevan, what consequences they could entail, and what is going to take place within the ranks of the self-organizing public, expert David Gyurjinyan told a press conference today when commenting on the rallies staged on Bagramyan Avenue in downtown Yerevan against a hike in power tariffs.

Yet, one positive fact needs to be pointed out: the public woke up from a sleep, he said. “We saw thousands of guys struggling for their rights and justice. I am one of their supporters. And I don’t want them to grow frustrated,” Gyurjinyan noted.

“No to Plunder’ civic initiative is crucial as it managed to “rouse the people and rise in defense of the country” and it shows great resolution, the expert said.

Another participant in the press conference – psychologist Samvel Khudoyan said: “The protests were large-scale because they were not only against a rise in electricity prices, but in that way the people also expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing situation and rejected any form of plunder”.

When assessing the actions of Armenian Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan from a psychological point of view, Khudoyan said: “Thanks to his flexible solutions, the situation did not escalate. The police chief displayed some artistic skills as well. He took correct steps in the past few days: he offered lectures to people and mixed with youths in a friendly way so he managed to find a common language”.

The psychologist stressed that the non-use of force was important as it helped avoid an escalation of the situation, despite some provocations. In his words, the public also learned of the merits of youths. “Unlike some sections of the population, they do not worship money and high posts,” Khudoyan said.